Adobe Creative Cloud


Contents

Using Adobe Reader vs Adobe Acrobat Pro

For opening and reading PDFs, set Adobe Reader as your default PDF reader. For step-by-step instructions on setting default apps click here. For more complex tasks like adding comments, or inserting e-signatures within a PDF, work with Adobe Acrobat Pro. 

Features

Adobe Reader

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Read PDF documents

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Fill out forms

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Convert Word, PPT, etc. into PDF

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Add signature to documents

 

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Add annotations or comments

 

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Licensing and Installation

Faculty and staff are required by NUIT to complete a form to access Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, available here. Under Northwestern University's Adobe agreement, users can activate the software on up to two computers, but it can only be used on one device at a time.

Using Adobe when asked to sign out of other devices

If you're using a device that exceeds your current allowed number, Adobe will prompt you to sign out of one of your unused devices. Simply click "Sign Out" on one of the unused devices selections and you will be able to continue using Adobe on your current device.

Using Adobe Creative Cloud

If you need apps that create or edit photos, graphics, movies, or websites consider Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. Users can launch Adobe Creative Cloud on their devices to install apps of their choosing. Click here for more information on app installation.

FAQ

Q: Who has access to Adobe software?
A: All active Kellogg Faculty and Staff have access. Emeritus Faculty, Ph.D. students, and MBA students can obtain discounted educational licenses via the Adobe website. Educational pricing is currently $19.99/month or $239.88 annually.

Q: I'm Faculty or Staff, but I see an "access denied" error message when I try to sign in to Adobe - why? What should I do?
A: Depending on the specifics of your account & history with Kellogg/Northwestern, we may need to make some changes to your account.  Please reach out to us so that we can investigate further.

Q: On how many computers can I install Adobe?
A: You can install Adobe on up to two computers at a time. If you try to install it on a third computer, you will be asked to log out of Adobe on one of the other computers.

Q: Can I get more licenses? What if I have to install Adobe on another computer?
A: Your University subscription lets you install & activate on up to two computers at a time. You can sign out of Adobe to install and activate it on another computer, or you can purchase additional independent subscriptions from Adobe.

Q: What do I do if I see an error/notification asking me to enter in a serial number for my Adobe trial?
A: If you don't see an option to sign in, close the message and reopen Adobe. You should be able to click Sign In Now & follow the instructions below (under Activating & Logging Into Adobe). Reach out to us if you continue to see this message pop up. If you have an older version of Adobe Acrobat (11 or earlier), you will need to uninstall it before following the instructions below to download & log into the newest version of Creative Cloud.

Q: Adobe keeps asking me to sign in every time I open it. What should I do?
A: Adobe will ask you to sign in periodically, but if you are seeing this every time, we recommend checking for updates:

If you don't see any available updates, or if you continue to see sign-in prompts every time you open Adobe, you can try the additional steps listed on the Adobe website or you can reach out to us for assistance.

Q: How do I request Adobe access for a contractor or temp?
A: You can submit your request to Northwestern IT by emailing them at consultant@northwestern.edu. Requests will need to come from the supervisor of that contractor or temp, and they are reviewed/granted on a case-by-case basis.

Q: I'm a Ph.D. student working as a TA for Kellogg - can I get Adobe access?
A: Yes - email your request to consultant@northwestern.edu. Include the class for which you are a TA, and CC the Faculty member who is listed as primary for the course.